The University of Wisconsin-Madison removed chief diversity officer Dr. Lavar Charleston from his position Wednesday, citing concerns about the department’s financial affairs.
“An ongoing internal review of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement’s (DDEEA) finances has revealed areas of concern about financial operations and fiscal judgments in the division,” UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said in an email published by Madison 365 Wednesday. A Legislative Audit Bureau report on the division is expected to be released soon.
The division is now under the authority of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Charles Isbel, and daily operations will be overseen by him and a four-person cabinet, according to Mnookin. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration will now have fiscal authority over the DDEEA.
“The university will continue to support existing DDEEA events, programs, and services going forward, and we do not expect any direct impact on the students, staff, and faculty served by and affiliated to DDEEA programs,” Mnookin said.
Charleston will return to his previous position as a clinical professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at UW-Madison.
This is a developing story.
Sreejita Patra is a senior staff writer and the former summer ad sales manager for The Daily Cardinal. She has written for breaking news, campus news and arts and has done extensive reporting on the 2024 presidential race. She also covered the Oregon Village Board for the Oregon Observer.
